New Visions’s group homes under investigation

Times Union writer Stephanie Lee followed up today on the firings at New Visions. Formerly the Albany County Association for Retarded Citizens, New Visions operates numerous group homes and programs for the disabled.

NYSARC also suspended the 11 members of New Visions’ board of directors in March because, Goodenough said, they “may not have done enough to take the appropriate steps to fulfill their responsibilities as board members.” In the board’s place, Marc Brandt, NYSARC’s executive director, is serving as the sole trustee.

Employees in some of New Visions’ homes are accused of distributing medications to clients without proper certification, said commission spokesman Bryan Jackson. The commission has also looked into other staffing issues and fire safety concerns.

The commission has been investigating four of New Visions’ 50 group homes since December and expects to release its findings in the next two months, Jackson said.